Looking for an apprenticeship! The good news is, we're hiring!
Meet some of our colleagues who started out with us as apprentices as we look at the schemes and the vital role they play in our business, and apply here.
Our apprenticeship programmes help us continue to have highly-skilled subject matter experts working in our sector. They span a number of different skillsets and offer opportunities for both those just starting out in the world of work, along with those who are interested in a career change.
We’re proud to currently have around 124 apprentices across the business in a range of roles. From process technicians to chartered surveyors, there’s something for everyone.
We caught up with some of them on why they love their jobs and any advice they would give to anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship.
Jay’s story
“Completing my apprenticeship at Southern Water has given me a great sense of achievement – I have achieved the career change goal that I set for myself four years ago.” – Jay, Southern Water Apprentice
Jay was working in retail management when he felt he needed a career change. He’d taken an interest in electronics and decided he could gain more experience in that area by doing an apprenticeship, which would let him learn on the job. It would also mean he could get qualifications and experience of a technical role within a large organisation while being able to financially support his family.
He was helped by peers in his team from day one. Everyone was very welcoming and his mentor was always supportive when he needed extra training on a particular skill or if he struggled with any electrical theory.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, all apprentices were asked to work from home to study and complete NVQ work reports . During this time, Jay was able to complete most of his portfolio and, through his hard work, he’s achieved multiple qualifications at distinction level. He’s grateful to his mentor and all the staff he’s worked with for their support throughout his apprenticeship.
Samuel's story
“My advice to anyone looking to start an apprenticeship is – do it! It keeps you sharp by learning something new and it’s very rewarding, as well as being a real benefit to your career.”
I’ve been at Southern Water since 2013. When I started my new role as Area Plan Lead (APL) in the clean water side of the business, I thought it would be useful to gain a better understanding of project management as a discipline. The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to study for the Associate Project Manager Level 4 qualification in October 2021.
During the apprenticeship, I really enjoyed the video calls for learning course content and interacting with our tutor and other colleagues. We used these calls to catch up and have revision sessions, as well as to discuss issues and share advice. The course was really challenging. The content took a while to grasp and I had to think of examples of project management from my career to use and then learn to write reflectively and critically about myself. I also learnt to speed up my typing, ready for the three-hour exam!
The apprenticeship has already improved my knowledge of projects and programmes for my day job. It’s made it easier to talk to Project Managers and project team members, and it’s enabled me to think more holistically every day about how I can deliver the best outcomes for the business.
Thomas’ story
“I’m proud to have achieved a distinction for my four-year apprenticeship – thank you to my mentors for helping me increase my knowledge and confidence.” – Thomas Joyce, Southern Water Apprentice.
Getting first-hand experience of a job role is a valuable way to learn new skills. Thomas had the opportunity to become a Southern Water apprentice while studying at Collingwood College.
Thomas was both excited and apprehensive about the journey ahead. Being an apprentice during the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge. However, he used the time to work on his NVQ qualification and assessment portfolio. Thomas found the supportive environment created by mentors and managers helped his skills and confidence improve, and he successfully completed his apprenticeship with a distinction.
Making apprenticeships happen is an important way to support people in their career development and Southern Water is pleased to be able to offer this opportunity.
To hear from more of our apprentices, click here.